Pigtail grass, also known as maidenhair fern, is a common fern plant. It is named after its long stems and color that resemble pig hair. Pigtail grass not only has medicinal value, but also has great horticultural value and can be used for potted plants and appreciation.
Medicinal value of pigtail grass
1. Relieving asthma and resolving phlegm
Pigtail grass has the effects of relieving asthma, resolving phlegm, softening lumps and dispersing stagnation. It can treat bronchitis, asthma, cough due to lung heat, hemoptysis, pneumonia, and other conditions.
2. Detoxifying and anti-inflammatory
Pharmacological studies have shown that plants in this genus have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. They are often used in the treatment of snake and insect bites, upper respiratory tract infections, mastitis, women's bleeding, postpartum blood stasis, and other conditions.
3. Diuretic and antidiuretic
Pigtail grass enters the small intestine and bladder, and can promote diuresis, relieve stranguria, and reduce swelling. It can be used clinically to treat urinary tract infections, lymph node tuberculosis, dysentery, and abdominal pain.
4. Treatment of hypertension
Pigtail grass contains a large amount of flavonoids, which are used in clinical practice as an adjuvant treatment for hypertension. It has effects such as preventing cerebral hemorrhage, preventing cardiovascular diseases, and anti-mutation.
5. Treatment of jaundice hepatitis
Studies have shown that pigtail grass is effective in treating jaundice hepatitis.
6. Treatment of tuberculosis
Pigtail grass roots and rhizomes, when combined with white wine, have been used by the local people in Lichuan and surrounding areas to treat cervical lymph node tuberculosis, with good results. A clinical study was conducted on 126 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis using a 10% alcohol extract of pigtail grass roots, which showed good efficacy.
Summary:
In terms of medicinal value, pigtail grass can clear heat, detoxify, relieve dampness, reduce swelling, promote diuresis, and relieve stranguria. It is used for dysentery, scrofula, cough due to lung heat, hepatitis, stranguria, snake bites, and injuries.
In terms of horticultural value, pigtail grass thrives in shade, has strong adaptability, and is easy to cultivate. It is suitable for indoor potted plants and can be displayed on desks, coffee tables, window sills, hallways, or living rooms. The leaves of maidenhair fern are also good for leaf cutting materials and dried flower materials.
